The Express (Letter to the Editor)

Your Right To Information

I write to complain about the inaccurate Opinion column about the labelling of genetically modified food ("Hard to swallow", Express, March 3).

You say that "Although the Government is to introduce new regulations later this week, they will apply only to food sold in restaurants and fast-food shops". This is untrue. The regulations that we will be introducing shortly will enable local authorities to prosecute anyone who does not label, or incorrectly labels, food containing genetically modified ingredients from soya or maize. This will include all retail outlets where food is sold as well as restaurants, fast-food shops and other catering facilities.

The Government is determined to ensure that consumers have the information they need to be able to make a choice as to whether to buy foods containing GM ingredients or not. This has been a requirement in respect of GM soya and maize since September 1 last year when an EC regulation, for which we had fought hard in Europe, came into effect. The regulations that we are about to introduce will ensure that anybody who does not comply with the requirements of the EC regulations can be prosecuted.

Jeff Rooker MP
Ministry of Agriculture,
Fisheries and Food
London SW1